Thursday, September 23, 2010

"The Syncros FRIC stem is certainly a departure from the norm and can brag about being both impressively light and sporting some unique features. Firstly, this curvy unit is actually forged (although not in the fires of hell), not CNC'd as you might have first guessed. While the fine gentlemen at Syncros were not about to share how the shape comes to life via the forging, it is unusual to see a piece as shapely as the FRIC use this process for manufacturing. I'm not about to go on a big spiel as to why forging can create stronger parts, that is for you to look up, but it is a common method of producing a light and strong final product. The stem's FRIC name is an acronym for FreeRide Intelligent Clamp and refers to the faceplate bar clamp that runs a full 260 degrees around the handlebar. While the forging process contributes to the stem's light 124 gram weight, the extra bar clamp grip area also plays a part in allowing for a lighter weight due to not as much material being needed. Although mega light, the FRIC is designed for full on heavy duty use as the name suggests. After being shown the stem I immediately assumed that your handlebar controls would have to be removed from one side during the installation, but this isn't the case. The 260 degree clamp leaves enough room for you to fit the tapered part of your bar through, not the 31.8 clamping area"

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Ellsworth’s new Momentum is the company’s first Slope Style bike for the park or 4X. Here’s what they have to say about it:
“With the pedal efficiency of Ellsworth’s patented ICT suspension, the bike is fast like a hard tail, yet takes the edge off the hits with 120 mm of firm, speed tuned rear travel allowing the bike to carry more speed and stay connected. It’s the perfect ICT embodiment in a full suspension Park style bike. The Momentum will be customizable, offered with several build options, and will feature a custom configured Fox 831 fork and Ellsworth’s custom built All-Mountain wheels.”

Named for BC’s remote back country wilderness area. Versatile in design with two head angle / BB height options: set it up as a climbing friendly rig or low and slack for aggressive trail riding. A 1.5” head tube allows any fork / headset combo you want. Additional features include cable routing for dropper seat posts and ISCG tabs for chain guides.Specs:

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

"The geometry is taken straight from the Samurai and it's designed to be a true all mountain machine. Colours and pricing are still yet to be confirmed. The ISCG mounts and headtube badge will both be polished stainless steel on the production frames"

"The XCX.ST is a seat tube mounted variation of the XCX that mounts to frames via a clamping device similar to those found on most front derailleurs. This XCX.ST version solves the mounting issues common to frames utilizing BB30 and other press-fit BB designs.
The XCX.ST retention system is also a highly adaptable product. It incorporates the adjustable upper wearplate of the World Cup winning LG1+ guide, is available in a “high-mount” or “low-mount” clamp design, utilizes a trick seat tube clamp cam to allow for chainline adjustment, and can be mounted to frames with 28.6, 31.8 or 34.9 seat tube diameters"